22/07/2011

Tips: A well-organised make up kit

Today I've read an article about a woman who has been collecting make up products for astonishing 30 years.

At the end, top make-up artist Rachel Wood (worked with Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale) gives her top tips for a well-organised make-up kit. I decided to copy them for future reference.

Compare cleaning your make-up drawer to emptying your fridge - if it smells, looks old or has changed colour then throw it out! If it's a spoiled product it can cause breakouts or eye infections.

Mascara should be replaced every six months, foundations every year to 18 months max. Lipsticks, if clean, can be OK for years. Powder products, such as blushers and shadows, if kept clean, can be fine to use for even longer.

If you have half-used lipsticks that are clean but broken, try putting them into a palette or small jar containers. This way you can see what you have, rediscover your colours and even mix and match them.

The same applies to compact powders and blushers you just cant throw away - even though they mess up your handbag due to broken packaging. Put them in a new container, and apply as you would a loose pigment.

Do an inventory of what you actually own. Many women go make-up shopping only to come home and remember they already own four eyeshadows in the same shade.

If you have products you love but end up unused because you're not sure how to apply them, try a mini make-up lesson: YouTube is an amazing beauty resource.

Keep your tools in good condition. Chuck any dirty sponges, they are super-cheap to replace. Brushes should be washed - I use washing up liquid and a small amount of hair conditioner in warm water, then lay flat to dry. Eyeshadow pad applicators are easy and inexpensive to replace, but it is worth investing in a decent quality brush or two if you are into stronger or smoky looks. Just remember to take care of them.

Don't forget that some companies reward you for being a product junkie - I love MAC's Back to MAC recycle programme. Bring six empty plastic MAC make-up containers to one of the label's counters and you'll get a lipstick of your choice in return.